What type of respiratory problems do potbellied pigs have?
Of all problems which potbellied pigs encounter, about 60% are respiratory, 30% are intestinal, and 10% includes everything else. There is not as much respiratory problems in potbellied pigs as in a commercial operation due to less stress. There is less change in their life. There are two types of respiratory problems • Upper respiratory problems – Nose, trachea, major bronchia. Upper respiratory problems could develop into the lower respiratory system. • Lower respiratory problems – lungs An example is AR (Atrophic rhinitis) • AR is usually infections. If it is bacterial, it can be controlled if treated early. It starts as an upper respiratory problem and if not treated, the bacteria deforms the nasal passage. Nasal discharges will occur, and later in life, the pig will always have AR. • Carrier – The pig passes it to other pigs. • Upper respiratory infection – Under certain conditions, AR moves to the lungs and causes pneumonia. Some of the bacteria can go to the brain and spinal cor
